10 healthy gifts that keep giving

Updated 7:30 AM ET, Thu December 6, 2012

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Photos:10 healthy gifts that keep giving

Introduction – Are you tired of ties and gift cards? This year, try giving your friends and family something that will help them actually stick to that New Year's resolution.From workout gear to kitchen gadgets -- and even a deluxe treadmill desk -- we've scoured stores to bring you 10 healthy gift ideas that are guaranteed to make the people on your list feel good, inside and out. For more ideas, see the full gallery on Health.com.

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Photos:10 healthy gifts that keep giving

Wireless activity tracker – The postage-stamp-size Fitbit Zip ($60, fitbit.com) records how many steps you take, how much ground you cover, and how many calories you burn. The Zip syncs to an online dashboard, accessible via computer or smartphone, that tracks overall progress and even awards achievement badges.

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Photos:10 healthy gifts that keep giving

Winter workout gear – As cozy as your favorite blanket (but way cuter!), the fleece Adidas Tricot Icon Jacket ($55, shopadidas.com) will handle true winter temps without causing you to overheat. Toss it over the super comfy Saucony Evolution V-Neck Long Sleeve ($48, saucony.com) -- made with a poly-spandex blend, it stretches with you.

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Treadmill desk – With price tags starting at $800, the treadmill desks from LifeSpan Fitness are only for high rollers. But they're a terrific way to sneak fitness into your day -- and help fight back against the burgeoning obesity trend caused in part by all the sitting we do. The TR1200-DT model we tried ($1,500, lifespanfitness.com) was smooth, quiet, and sturdy, and the simple treadmill console tracks steps, calories burned, and distance walked. No fancy hill or interval programs here -- this machine means, well, business.

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Blend and go – Smoothies can be a great way to get a serving of fruit and essential vitamins -- but store-bought varieties can pack as much sugar and fat as a candy bar. The key to a slimming drink is controlling what goes into the blender. Mix up a single serving of your favorite smoothie in the Oster My Blend Blender ($25, amazon.com). Simply blend in the bottle, pop on the sports lid, and you're off.

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Running gloves – Just because it's getting cold outside doesn't mean it's time to hang up those running shoes. The Brooks Infiniti Headband and Pulse Lite Gloves ($18 & $20, brooksrunning.com) will keep the joggers on your list comfortable as they head out on those frigid mornings. The super-breathable material staves off sweat as it protects against the cold.

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Nike+ Fuelband – With so many fitness trackers on the market, it's hard to know which one to choose. This year, Health staffers were sporting the Nike+ Fuelband ($150, nike.com). Running, dancing, walking down the street -- it's all measured by this sleek wristband and turned into "NikeFuel," a points snapshot of how active you are. Got a competitive streak? You can share your score (and compare it with your friends') via social media like Facebook and Twitter.

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Herb mill – Trying to cut back on salt and butter, but not taste? Seasoning with fresh herbs adds big flavor to a dish without jacking up the calories. Make it easy on yourself: The compact Microplane Herb Mill ($20, williams-sonoma.com) minces those herbs with a flick of your wrist.

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Gliding discs – These budget-friendly discs ($15, power-systems.com) target the three C's: calisthenics, cardio, and core. Simply place them under your hands, feet, or knees during exercises to increase your range of motion. Moves like mountain climbers and lunges are instantly more challenging.

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Adjustable kettlebells – The 3-in-1 Kettlebell from Empower Fitness ($40; empowerfitness.com) is the perfect gift for someone with plenty of willpower but very little storage space.Kettlebells are a hot new way to build strength, but they're bulky and often expensive. This product solves both problems by providing a range of weights in one affordable package: One click-twist and this calorie-torching and toning orb shifts between 5, 8, and 12 pounds.

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Foam roller – Health pros swear by foam rollers for relieving post-workout tension. These aids, like The Grid Revolutionary Foam Roller ($30, amazon.com) from Trigger Point Performance, are designed to be rolled along your back and legs -- and anyplace else that's stiff and sore. When combined with your body weight, the uneven foam surface acts like a massage to loosen muscles and work out knots.For more healthy gift ideas, see the full gallery on Health.com.